asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that consideration of an application by the Commissioners of Public Works for the purchase of a site at Fair Street, Cork, for the erection of a new central Garda station has been deferred by the Cork Corporation pending receipt of particulars from the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána regarding the areas which the new station would serve, the stations which it would replace and the number of Gardaí to be assigned to the new station; and what are the functions of the Cork Corporation with regard to such matters.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork City Central Garda Station.
45.
The distribution of Garda personnel is not a function of the local authority. It is a matter for the Minister for Justice pursuant to Section 6, subsection (i) of the Garda Síochána Act, 1924, which provides as follows:
"the Garda Síochána shall be distributed and stationed throughout Saorstát Éireann in such manner as the Minister shall from time to time direct."
In connection with the erection of new stations it is, however, the practice, in the interests of orderly and progressive development, to consult with the local authorities concerned. Due regard is given to the views of the local authorities but it will be appreciated that the siting of Garda stations must be determined primarily by reference to police needs and requirements.
Although their relevance in this respect is not apparent, the particulars sought by the Cork Corporation in connection with the application for the site at Fair Street have, as a matter of courtesy, been furnished to them. It is intended that this new station will be the District Headquarters for Cork City North and that it will also provide supervision for the areas presently policed from Shandon and Watercourse Road. Because of the housing development in recent years in these areas the stations at these centres, which, at any rate, are in urgent need of replacement, are not suitably sited to give the most effective supervision.